Opinion / Columnist
MDC-T youths demonstrations unjustifiable
08 Aug 2014 at 13:13hrs | Views
A move that was taken by the MDC-T youths to demonstrate against Government, claiming that it has failed to fulfill the election promises resembles nothing constructive but just negative publicity against the ruling party.
Currently, the country's economy is in its infancy hence facing challenges in the development of manufacturing, agriculture and industrial sectors. However, the Government is still soldiering on in trying to mend the economy. The idea of mending the economy does not just happen over a blink of an eye, but it's a process that occurs over a period of time.
The fact that those MDC-T youths made their demonstrations against the Government claiming 2.2 million jobs is undesirable. Demonstrations are allowed according to the New Constitution, but they should be done peacefully. Because MDC-T party is infamous for being aggressive, these demonstrations could have developed into forms of violence with blood sheds or even inflate into a coup. These demonstrations depicted acts of civil disobedience.
What the MDC-T youths should bear in mind is that the economy will not just change with the flop of the coin, instead it needs time and planning to entirely develop. ZANU-PF did not promise that these jobs will be created in just a short period of one year, for that reason the MDC-T youths cannot objectively judge the failure of ZANU-PF. The promises made by the ruling party were pegged at a whole 5-year tenure ending in 2018 in line the economic blue print-Zim-ASSET. This 5-year economic driver should be given a chance for us to see its fruition.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) which represents the workers in the country had also been involved in a number of hostile and destructive demonstrations which harmed the growth of the economy. However, this is synonymous with MDC-T party which we know very well that it sprang from the ZCTU.
In 2003, MDC led mass stay-away where they protested against the Government blaming it for failure to uphold the rule of law and increasing economic hardships. The mass stay-away organized by this opposition party was simply a failure, as it crippled the economy through enforcing the closure of business and industry through intimidation of shop owners and workers.
It is imperative to note that mass stay-away undermine efforts and opportunities to revive the economy as they raise fear among investors and deterioration of potential shareholders who may want to carry out business in the country.
I strongly believe that the economic hardships that the nation is facing are only a chapter that can pass. If we join hands together as a nation and work extremely hard regardless of our political affiliations our country's economy will revitalize.
In support of that, Zimbabwe National Army commander, Lieutenant-General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, in his traditional annual interview ahead of the 34th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to be held on Tuesday next week noted that the army will maintain a peaceful environment in the country to ensure successful implementation of Zim-Asset.
"Yes, we have had challenges and we have suffered many difficulties and we continue to suffer, but as far as I am concerned, this is just a passing phase and if it is safe to say, no good thing comes on a silver platter," he said.
Recently the Government introduced a new policy which encourages all Government departments and the entire public to consume locally made products. This is a noble policy as it supports the economic blue print Zim-Asset which advocates for employment creation. If the local industries like Willowvale Mazda Motor industry, David Whitehead textiles are revitalized more job opportunities will be created thereby boosting the gross domestic product.
Early this year, the Government has also formalized more than 500 000 small scale miners as a way of creating employment for artisanal miners. This alone shows that the Government is not silent on the issue of job creation. The Government needs to be given a chance to restore all the ailing companies and other sectors of the economy that are weakening.
Mining has become the center piece for economic development in line with Zim-Asset. Reports from the Ministry of Mines and Mining development have it that the country has been exporting raw diamond and gold to other neighbouring countries. However, through Zim-Asset the Government has reduced license fees for local diamond polishing and cutting firms from $100 000 to $20 000 annually. This move had a prime objective of promoting the local beneficiation industry as well as creating employment.
To cut the story short, Zimbabweans should know that Government is very active and trying hard to restore the economy's image hence there is need for every individual to be patient and determined.
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Peacemaker Zano can be contacted at peacemakerzano@gmail.com
Currently, the country's economy is in its infancy hence facing challenges in the development of manufacturing, agriculture and industrial sectors. However, the Government is still soldiering on in trying to mend the economy. The idea of mending the economy does not just happen over a blink of an eye, but it's a process that occurs over a period of time.
The fact that those MDC-T youths made their demonstrations against the Government claiming 2.2 million jobs is undesirable. Demonstrations are allowed according to the New Constitution, but they should be done peacefully. Because MDC-T party is infamous for being aggressive, these demonstrations could have developed into forms of violence with blood sheds or even inflate into a coup. These demonstrations depicted acts of civil disobedience.
What the MDC-T youths should bear in mind is that the economy will not just change with the flop of the coin, instead it needs time and planning to entirely develop. ZANU-PF did not promise that these jobs will be created in just a short period of one year, for that reason the MDC-T youths cannot objectively judge the failure of ZANU-PF. The promises made by the ruling party were pegged at a whole 5-year tenure ending in 2018 in line the economic blue print-Zim-ASSET. This 5-year economic driver should be given a chance for us to see its fruition.
The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) which represents the workers in the country had also been involved in a number of hostile and destructive demonstrations which harmed the growth of the economy. However, this is synonymous with MDC-T party which we know very well that it sprang from the ZCTU.
In 2003, MDC led mass stay-away where they protested against the Government blaming it for failure to uphold the rule of law and increasing economic hardships. The mass stay-away organized by this opposition party was simply a failure, as it crippled the economy through enforcing the closure of business and industry through intimidation of shop owners and workers.
It is imperative to note that mass stay-away undermine efforts and opportunities to revive the economy as they raise fear among investors and deterioration of potential shareholders who may want to carry out business in the country.
I strongly believe that the economic hardships that the nation is facing are only a chapter that can pass. If we join hands together as a nation and work extremely hard regardless of our political affiliations our country's economy will revitalize.
"Yes, we have had challenges and we have suffered many difficulties and we continue to suffer, but as far as I am concerned, this is just a passing phase and if it is safe to say, no good thing comes on a silver platter," he said.
Recently the Government introduced a new policy which encourages all Government departments and the entire public to consume locally made products. This is a noble policy as it supports the economic blue print Zim-Asset which advocates for employment creation. If the local industries like Willowvale Mazda Motor industry, David Whitehead textiles are revitalized more job opportunities will be created thereby boosting the gross domestic product.
Early this year, the Government has also formalized more than 500 000 small scale miners as a way of creating employment for artisanal miners. This alone shows that the Government is not silent on the issue of job creation. The Government needs to be given a chance to restore all the ailing companies and other sectors of the economy that are weakening.
Mining has become the center piece for economic development in line with Zim-Asset. Reports from the Ministry of Mines and Mining development have it that the country has been exporting raw diamond and gold to other neighbouring countries. However, through Zim-Asset the Government has reduced license fees for local diamond polishing and cutting firms from $100 000 to $20 000 annually. This move had a prime objective of promoting the local beneficiation industry as well as creating employment.
To cut the story short, Zimbabweans should know that Government is very active and trying hard to restore the economy's image hence there is need for every individual to be patient and determined.
-----------------------
Peacemaker Zano can be contacted at peacemakerzano@gmail.com
Source - Peacemaker Zano
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